Cherinet Hariffo

Today march 7th 2025, as I present my credentials as first ever and the youngest permanent observer of IGAD Secretariat at the United Nations, I am reminded of the journey that brought me here. From being displaced as a child to standing among senior diplomats, this is not what I could have imagined seven years ago as a refugee. But here we are. Especial thank you to He: my mentor @DrWorkneh Gebeyehu for giving me the opportunity to shine And be of service to the people of my region and my organization. #DiscoverIGAD, #Regionalpeace #Multilateralism @DrWorkneh @IGADsecretariat @MAWareSO @IGAD_CPAC @UN @UNmigration @Refugees @SandokanDebebe @AbiyAhmedAli @TakeleUma

IGAD Permanent Observer to the UN Meets UN Youth Affairs Chief The Permanent Representative of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to the United Nations, Cherinet Hariffo, met with Felipe Paullier, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, at the IGAD Permanent Observer Mission in New York. Their discussions focused on advancing youth engagement, leadership, and opportunities across the Horn of Africa, including strengthening collaboration between IGAD and the United Nations Youth Office to expand youth participation in governance, peacebuilding, and sustainable development initiatives across the region.

Although this isn’t the best news: No Ethiopian-born person should ever pay an overstay fee, because in the end, there is no such thing as ‘overstaying’ in your own country. Many Ethiopians acquired foreign nationality only because Ethiopia doesn’t allow dual citizenship. If the country forced people to choose just one nationality in pursuit of better opportunities (‘greener pastures’), then treating them as pure foreigners upon return, and fining them for overstaying, feels fundamentally unfair. Ethiopia should recognize its diaspora more generously: no fees for those born Ethiopian returning home.

አስቸኳይ ማስታወቂያ!! የአሜሪካ ዜግነት ለአላችሁ ትውልደ ኢትዮጵያዊያን በሙሉ URGENT NOTICE!! To All Ethiopian-Origin U.S. Citizens. የኢሚግሬሽንና ዜግነት አገልግሎት ሁሉም የሚታወቅባት ኢትዮጵያ ! ———————— ለበለጠ መረጃ የማህበራዊ ሚዲያ ድህረ -ገፆችንን ይጎብኙ ይወዳጁን ...... Telegram: t.me/ICS_Ethiopia Facebook: facebook.com/ICSEthiopia Twitter: x.com/ics_ethiopia TikTok: @ics_ethiopia" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">tiktok.com/@ics_ethiopia LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/icseth… YouTube: @Ics_Ethiopia" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">youtube.com/@Ics_Ethiopia Instagram: instagram.com/icsethiopia/

At the Permanent Mission of IGAD to the United Nations, I received @Haavisto Pekka Haavisto, the newly appointed Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General António Guterres on Sudan and former Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland, for a substantive exchange on the evolving situation in #Sudan and its broader regional implications. Our discussion focused on the current political and humanitarian developments in Sudan and the wider implications for the Horn of Africa. As a regional organization deeply engaged in advancing dialogue, mediation, and stability across the region, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) remains committed to working closely with the United Nations and international partners in supporting coordinated diplomatic efforts toward a peaceful and inclusive resolution to the crisis. We also exchanged views on the importance of strengthened cooperation between regional organizations and the United Nations to ensure that mediation efforts remain complementary and responsive to the realities on the ground. I reaffirmed IGAD’s readiness to continue working closely with the Office of the Personal Envoy in advancing dialogue and supporting peace and stability in Sudan and the wider region.

It was great to welcome H.E @felipepaullier to our office in New York!

Today, I had the honor of welcoming Dr. @felipepaullier the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs @UNYouthAffairs to my office at the IGAD Permanent Observer Mission in New York. For many years, we have advocated for a stronger UN that truly includes and empowers young people as key drivers of sustainable development, peace, and progress. This visit was a meaningful step forward in those efforts. The IGAD region is home to one of the world’s youngest and most dynamic populations. With over almost 340 million people—and youth (often defined as under 35 or under 30 in various contexts) making up a significant portion, frequently cited around 70% or more—this demographic represents an enormous opportunity and a call to action. We discussed ways to amplify youth voices from the IGAD region (#Djibouti, #Ethiopia, #Kenya, #Somalia, #South Sudan, #Sudan, and #Uganda) in global forums, strengthen partnerships between the UN Youth Office and regional bodies like IGAD, and harness this youthful energy to address challenges like employment, climate resilience, peacebuilding, and inclusive growth. Grateful for Dr. Paullier’s leadership and commitment to meaningful youth engagement. The future is young—and we’re working together to make it brighter for our region and the world. #YouthEmpowerment #UNYouth #IGAD #SustainableDevelopment #NewYork

held a meeting with H.E. Ambassador Oliver Höhne @oliverhoehne DPR of Switzerland @swiss_un to the United Nations, at the Swiss Mission in New York as part of continued political and multilateral engagement between the IGAD Permanent Mission and partners within the United Nations system. Our discussions focused on the situation in Sudan, including the deteriorating humanitarian conditions, the importance of sustained mediation efforts, and the need for strengthened diplomatic coordination in support of peaceful and political solutions. The exchange also emphasized the importance of deepening multilateral cooperation between regional organizations and UN member states, particularly in advancing mediation initiatives, supporting humanitarian response mechanisms, and reinforcing coordinated international engagement to address complex and evolving crises.

Today at my office at the IGAD Permanent Mission in New York, I welcomed Ambassador @AUexkull Von Uexküll, DPR of @SwedenUN to the United Nations, as part of our ongoing political engagement among partners and colleagues at the United Nations. Our discussion focused on a number of pressing regional and international issues, including the ongoing conflict in Sudan, the evolving security situation in the Middle East, and the broader need to strengthen multilateral engagement and multi-track diplomatic efforts to address complex and interconnected global challenges. We also exchanged views on the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation between regional organizations and member states within the United Nations system in advancing peace, stability, and coordinated responses to emerging crises.

@OpinionBuffet @YourPrimePath 😂😂 Someone can relate

@YourPrimePath At 25 you should have six figures of student loans, $20k in credit card debt, and a fuck ton of memories. Money comes and money goes but if you aren’t living none of that matters.

What’s a normal amount for a 25 year old to have in their bank account?

@AmbDoualeh Ramadan Kareem Ambassador

On the occasion of the holy month of #Ramadan, I extend my warmest wishes for health, prosperity, and happiness throughout this sacred month and the year ahead. May Allah’s blessings be upon you and your family. #RamadanMubarak

Your leadership has shown time and time again that Diplomacy works. In a time of so much uncertainty you have continued to bring this region together and raise the bar so high for a united and integrated IGAD region @DrWorkneh @IGADsecretariat

Today, I delivered IGAD’s statement as the Permanent Representative of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to the United Nations, during the Preparatory Committee on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes against Humanity at UN Headquarters in New York. In our intervention, IGAD reaffirmed its strong commitment to the UN Charter, international law, and the protection of civilians. We emphasized that crimes against humanity must never be normalized, and that the international community must strengthen both prevention and accountability through a fair, neutral, and consensus-based process. IGAD also highlighted the importance of respecting sovereignty, avoiding double standards, and ensuring that any future global instrument is practical, implementable, and supported by meaningful cooperation and capacity building, especially for countries facing resource constraints. Under the leadership of H.E. Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, Executive Secretary of IGAD, our region remains committed to peace, justice, and human dignity—because protecting humanity is not optional, it is our shared responsibility. #IGAD #UnitedNations #InternationalLaw #HumanRights #CrimesAgainstHumanity #PeaceAndSecurity #Africa #Diplomacy #CiviliansProtection #Justice

🇺🇳 IGAD at the United Nations | One Voice for Humanity Today at UN Headquarters in New York, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) delivered its statement during the Preparatory Committee on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes against Humanity. IGAD reaffirmed its commitment to the Charter of the United Nations, international law, and the protection of civilians. IGAD emphasized that crimes against humanity must never be normalized, and that the international community must strengthen both prevention and accountability through a fair, neutral, inclusive, and consensus-based process. IGAD also stressed the importance of respecting the principles of the UN Charter, including sovereign equality, territorial integrity, and non-interference, while ensuring that international cooperation remains practical, credible, and effective—especially through capacity building and technical support for States facing resource constraints. Under the leadership of H.E. Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, Executive Secretary of IGAD, the organization remains firmly committed to peace, justice, and human dignity—because protecting humanity is a shared responsibility. #IGAD #UnitedNations #InternationalLaw #HumanRights #CrimesAgainstHumanity #Peace #Justice #Africa #Diplomacy #CivilianProtection

Celebrating 40 Years of IGAD (1986–2026) For four decades, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has stood as a pillar of regional cooperation, strengthening peace and security, advancing resilience, and promoting sustainable development across the Horn of Africa. Under the leadership of H.E. @DrWorkneh Gebeyehu, Executive Secretary of IGAD, the organization continues to deliver bold, people-centered solutions, deepening partnerships, enhancing regional integration, supporting cross-border stability, and elevating the voice of our region on the global stage. As we mark this milestone, we reaffirm our shared commitment to a stronger, united, and more prosperous region, One Region, One Future.

I had a very productive meeting with H.E. @MuferihatA Minister of Labour and Skills Development. Our discussion gave me the opportunity to learn more about the Ministry’s continued progress, ongoing innovations, and how several key cross-cutting priorities are being mainstreamed to deliver stronger and more inclusive outcomes. I commended H.E. the Minister for her visionary leadership and for laying the foundation of the Ministry as one of its founders. We also exchanged views on areas of mutual support and collaboration, and reflected on how meaningful generational change is possible when our challenges are addressed through an intergenerational approach, strengthening synergy between leadership, institutions, and young people to achieve sustainable and lasting impact.

I had a profoundly meaningful and reflective meeting with H.E. Dr. Ergogie Tesfaye, Minister of Women, Youth, Children, and Social Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of #Ethiopia. Her Excellency has long been a steadfast supporter of my work and journey, and engaging with her continues to be both grounding and deeply affirming. Drawing from the spirit of #Medemer, the belief in coming together, complementarity, and collective strength, we discussed how sustainable progress can only be achieved when youth are brought closer to decision-making spaces, as contributors and co-creators. Conversations like this reaffirm that the future we aspire to build will only be realized when young people are empowered to shape it—together.

May Peace prevail in our region and beyond!

As the year draws to a close, I extend warm greetings to the people of the IGAD region. This season invites reflection on the shared values that unite us peace, compassion, solidarity, and mutual respect across our diverse cultures and faiths. IGAD remains committed to strengthening cooperation, advancing dialogue, and supporting inclusive development across the region. To all those celebrating Christmas, I wish you a peaceful holiday. To everyone across the IGAD region, I extend my best wishes for health, hope, and shared progress in the year ahead.

@ZerihunJimma @BekeleAsmelash Sure why not

@cherinet_ @BekeleAsmelash Many Thanks Brother @cherinet_ . Hope to host you when you come to Dubai.

Deeply honored to be assigned as #Ethiopia's Consul General to Dubai & Northern Emirates, #UAE. I thank Charge D'Affairs of the Consulate @BekeleAsmelash, Staff of the Consulate, Board Members & staff of Ethiopian Community Association for the warm welcoming they accorded to me.